A spray-painting attack on sheep in an isolated field is being treated as criminal damage by police.
The animals were found distressed but uninjured by their owner at Marston Lane, East Farndon, Northamptonshire, on Monday.
The vandals, who are believed to have struck overnight, used blue and red paint to spray four of the 11-strong flock with swear words.
Anyone who may have seen activity in the area should call 08453 700700.